The Shaft Audio Documentary

In 2023 we released The Blackbird Audio Documentary to much excitement. The Blackbird is a 5-part audio documentary about local drinking cultures and modern classic cocktails, specifically, the Toronto phenomenon of The Blackbird.  It landed as a top 10 nominee for the 2024 Spirited Awards International Best Broadcast, Podcast, or Online Video Series. For season two of our podcast, we headed to Western Canada!

If you find yourself in Victoria, Canada, you might find yourself face to face with a drink called The Shaft. When you ask about it, you will hear about this Victoria hometown favourite. What does “hometown” really mean though? Because The Shaft, it turns out, wasn’t created in Victoria at all. Through 5 episodes, Josh digs into the history of this Western Canadian hyper-local concoction and what it means to the city (cities?) that call it their own. Dozens of bartenders, bar owners, regulars, brand representatives and even a decorated barista weigh in on what The Shaft means and is.

Listen to The Shaft on Simplecast, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Written and narrated by Josh Lindley

Production by AXXN Pact in Toronto and Josh Lindley.

Thanks to Kahlúa and Corby Spirit and Wine for their financial support.

The Shaft was released in October 2024.